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The Wicked and the Wise Men : Witches and Prophets in the History of the Northwest Amazon (1).


Pages: 82 - 109

Abstract

This paper focuses on the dialectical tension between ‘dark’ and ‘light’ consciousness in the history of the Arawak-speaking Baniwa peoples of the Northwest Amazon. By ‘dark’ consciousness, we refer to witchcraft and wickedness which, the Baniwa believe, are inherent to the nature of humanity in this world. We explore the nature of witchcraft, contrasting it with sorcery, and shamanic vengeance. Then, we examine the consciousness of revelation in shamanic discourse and historical prophetic messages and movements. A lengthy oral history demonstrates how prophets constantly waged battle against witchcraft, seeking to restore harmony against internal and external destruction.